Just a Reminder about Oslo
Oslo is back in the news. JINSA has been getting many calls based on misinformation. Let us set the record straight. The media wants us to believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu is the chief violator of an agreement that, with his compliance, will lead directly to peace in the Middle East. Fortunately, some of us remember what the actual document says and know that it is Israel who is following through with their end of the bargain, while the PLO is not.
Oslo is back in the news. JINSA has been getting many calls based on misinformation. Let us set the record straight. The media wants us to believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu is the chief violator of an agreement that, with his compliance, will lead directly to peace in the Middle East. Fortunately, some of us remember what the actual document says and know that it is Israel who is following through with their end of the bargain, while the PLO is not.
On September 9, 1993, Yasser Arafat sent a letter to then-Prime Minister Rabin in which he stated unequivocally that the PLO renounces the use of terrorism and violence to achieve their goals; assumes responsibility over all PLO elements to ensure their compliance; and affirms that those articles of the PLO Covenant which deny Israel’s right to exist are now invalid.
On September 13, 1993, a Declaration of Principles (DOP) worked out in Oslo was signed by the two parties to launch the peace process involving Israel granting limited autonomy to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, in return for the commitments stated above. Since then, two more agreements have been signed – the Gaza-Jericho self-rule agreement and the Oslo II Accord. Let us not forget subsequent withdrawals, including Hebron.
It has been over three years since Yasser Arafat made his original promises. Yet, the Charter remains unchanged, Arafat still publicly lashes out against the Israeli government, and has absolutely no control over Hamas or any other rejectionist groups inciting violence and carrying out terrorist attacks upon Israeli citizens. It is even more troublesome that, according to intelligence sources, Arafat is even giving the “green light” to these groups.
Consider the following facts: (1) Ten days before the bombing, Arafat authorized the release of Hamas’ chief of military intelligence, Ibrahim Maqadmeh; (2) The PLO has let Hamas reopen two bases and released 120 terrorists out of jail; and (3) violence – in the form of rioting and rock- throwing – is back in full force. Is this Yasser Arafat’s idea of renouncing the use of violence and terrorism to achieve his goals? Arafat has not followed through with the first promise he ever made and refuses to adhere to Article XV of Oslo II which requires him to “take all measures necessary in order to prevent acts of terrorism, crime, and hostilities directed against each other.”
Another media favorite is the subject of Har Homa, a vacant piece of land within the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Israel. When the DOP was signed, Prime Minister Rabin stated that “Jerusalem is the ancient and eternal capital of the Jewish people.” The status of Jerusalem is non-negotiable. The Israeli government has absolute rights and responsibilities to build houses on empty land in their possession for the use of Israeli citizens, Jewish or Arab. This is nothing new. Construction took place during the leadership of Rabin. Building in Jerusalem is not a violation of the Oslo accords.
Neither party is perfect. However, it is important to look at the facts about Oslo as they exist; not at the fiction invented by the media. It is time to realize who is the true violator.